SIPTU calls for ‘Fast Track’ Access to Early Years Sustainability Fund

SIPTU has called for all Early Years services in financial difficulty to have ‘fast track’ access to the existing Early Years Sustainability Fund should they face financial difficulty due to the Covid-19 emergency.

SIPTU Head of Organising, Darragh O’Connor, said: “The COVID-19 Early Years Scheme announced this week by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Katherine Zappone, is welcome.

“The scheme covers wage costs of the childcare sector, guarantees that parents don’t have to pay fees and supports employers with a 15% top up payment.”

He added: “However, the existing childcare schemes are being ended. In some circumstances this will mean that services, particularity smaller and sessional services, may become unsustainable and could be forced to close. In order to support community and private services that are in this position, we are calling for them to be able to avail of ‘fast track’ access to the Early Years Sustainability Fund.

“This will ensure that vital public childcare facilities are sustained, and staff retained for the duration of the crisis.”